What is the relationship between Antigone and Ismene? What are they discussing as this excerpt from the play opens? Cite evidence from the text to demonstrate your understanding.
Antigone and Ismene are sisters, daughters of Oedipus and Jocasta, who find themselves in a moral dilemma after their brother, Polyneices, is killed in battle and King Creon declares that his body must not be buried.
In this excerpt from the play, Antigone and Ismene are discussing the burial of Polyneices and whether they should defy Creon's decree. Antigone is adamant about burying their brother, while Ismene is afraid of the consequences and urges caution.
Antigone says, "I will bury him myself. And even if I die in the act, that death will be a glory" (lines 62-63). This shows Antigone's determination and loyalty to her brother, regardless of the consequences. Ismene, on the other hand, expresses her fear by saying, "But think of the danger, think what Creon will do!" (line 69). Ismene is concerned about the repercussions of defying Creon's law and is hesitant to go against the king.
Overall, Antigone and Ismene's relationship is characterized by a contrast in their personalities and beliefs. Antigone is portrayed as brave and willing to defy authority for the sake of her family, while Ismene is more cautious and concerned about the consequences of their actions.